Gelato Heaven @ Dolcino

A recent visit to newly opened Dolcino located in the Market Square, Nottingham certainly opened my eyes to a new trend that seems to have arrived here in the UK over the past year or so- dessert bars/restaurants, where you can go and solely enjoy a dessert…or two should the desire take you…

Dolcino is a family ran independent outlet, with two shops, the first has been running successfully in Leicestershire for some time now and this has now led the owners to open their second in the city centre of Nottingham- a great location with lots of footfall I have to say.

We were greeted and seated by the owner himself Francesco, who wore the full outfit of a branded apron and hat and proceeded to tell us in a very passionate way the story of Gelato- the very thing he has made a living from and quite obviously loves.

I learnt that Gelato happens to be less fattening than ice cream but tastes just as good, if not better- that was enough for me and I was ready to make my selection!

The menu is extensive and actually Dolcino do offer savoury options on their menu too, which I didn’t expect- lunchtime dishes such as toasted sandwiches, savoury crepes and folded pizzas.

The dessert menu is as expected- rather extensive and ranges from the retro traditionals such as knickerbockerglory’s and banana splits (which is what we went for), to the more contemporary style shakes and smoothies which are bang on trend right now, only these have a Gelato twist!

The Freak shakes were something I was tempted by but my personal trainer may not have agreed with me, however will one day try one of these – a large glass jar of gelato in various flavours topped with whipped cream and sauce, offered in a range of flavours such as Banoffee, Eton Mess and Mars Bar Magic.

Sweet crepes and waffles are also on the menu with toppings such as blueberries, strawberries and cream and peanut butter-not to mention the gelato sundaes which can also come in a cone or a cup of various sizes ranging from £2.40 up to £4.80.

If that wasn’t enough to feast our eyes on, Dolcino also offer Deluxe Desserts- Gelato Basket (a basket of gelato with cream and chocolate!), a more traditional Cornucopia and luxury fondue- yes- a chocolate fountain with your choice of dippers.

They really have thought of everything bought to you in a traditional Italian manner with friendly knowledgeable staff and great coffee.

I particularly liked the interior and decor- very 1950’s retro, mint green couches, Vespers and bikes for decoration and memorabilia – I half expected a waitress to come whizzing past on roller-skates…

Dolcino is certainly somewhere i’d visit gain, with friends or family of all ages, as it really is an all rounder and offers a great authentic Italian experience in the knowledge you are supporting a local independent business.

Dolcino also has a great space upstairs available for private hire for events/parties.